Analysis of genetic structure of huchen (Hucho hucho) in Serbia inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA

The purpose of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Serbian huchen and provide guidelines for conservation and management. Fourteen huchen individuals were collected from six localities. For all individuals the mitochondrial DNA control region and the NADH1 gene were sequenced, and two microsatellite loci were genotyped. Sequencing of two mtDNA loci showed the presence of the same haplotypes (Hh_CR_1 and Hh_ND1_1) in all investigated specimens and the complete absence of genetic variability at inter- and intra-populational level. However, analyzed individuals from Serbia have the largest number of control region repeats (average 8.7) compared to all other huchen populations from the Danube basin. Microsatellite data show that the most of Serbian huchens were placed in the “eastern” cluster except one individual from the Drina River which clustered with “western” samples, most likely a consequence of stocking. In spite of only two loci used, four unique alleles found in the studied Serbian and Drina basin population indicate that the Danube basin may possess more region specific alleles than previously thought, which could be of great importance for efficient species management in the future.